If you’re hosting on Airbnb, you know that reviews are everything. They’re the lifeblood of your profile, the social proof that can make or break your future bookings.
But how do you get those glowing reviews? How do you ask your guests for feedback without sounding pushy or awkward?
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the art of asking for reviews on Airbnb. I’ll guide you through the process, provide sample messages, and share some best practices that will help you get the reviews you need while maintaining a positive relationship with your guests. If you’re looking to enhance your Airbnb profile and boost your bookings, this post is for you.
Why Are Reviews So Important for Airbnb Hosts?
Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s take a quick look at why reviews matter so much.
- First Impressions Matter: New guests often check reviews before booking. Positive reviews increase your chances of landing a reservation.
- Trust and Credibility: Reviews build trust. They show future guests that you’re a reliable host who offers a great experience.
- Search Rankings: Airbnb’s algorithm favors hosts with more and better reviews. More positive reviews can push your listing up in search rankings, making you more visible to potential guests.
- Feedback for Improvement: Reviews are also an opportunity for you to receive constructive criticism. They can help you identify areas for improvement in your hosting.
Now that we understand the importance of reviews, let’s discuss how to effectively ask for them.
When is the Best Time to Ask for a Review on Airbnb?
Timing is everything. Ask for a review at the wrong time, and it could come off as intrusive or even pushy. Ask too early, and your guest may not have had time to reflect on their stay.
So, when should you ask for a review on Airbnb?
Best Timing:
- 24 to 48 hours after check-out: This is when guests are most likely to remember their experience with clarity. It’s enough time to process their stay, but not so long that it’s forgotten.
- Right after a positive interaction: If you’ve just received a compliment or if there’s been an exchange where the guest expressed satisfaction, it’s a great time to ask.
- When you’ve gone above and beyond: If you’ve provided extra services, helped with a special request, or offered personal touches during their stay, the guest will be more likely to leave a positive review.
Avoid asking immediately after booking or right before check-in. You want to give guests a chance to experience your place, so they can leave an informed and genuine review.
How to Ask for a Review on Airbnb: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s break down the exact steps for requesting a review in a way that feels natural and encourages a positive response.
Step 1: Personalize Your Message
One-size-fits-all messages rarely work. Instead, tailor your message to the individual guest. Mention something personal about their stay or highlight a positive experience you shared. This shows you care and makes your request feel more sincere.
Step 2: Be Polite and Appreciative
No one likes to feel like they’re being pressured. Start your message by thanking the guest for staying at your property. Express your appreciation for their visit, even if you’re asking for a review.
Step 3: Make it Easy
Don’t make your guest jump through hoops to leave a review. Provide them with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. A simple request like “It would mean a lot if you could share your thoughts with future guests” goes a long way.
Step 4: Provide an Incentive (Optional)
While you can’t offer incentives in exchange for positive reviews, you can offer a future discount or promotion if they leave a review. This doesn’t guarantee a positive review, but it can encourage guests to leave feedback.
Step 5: Don’t Be Pushy
Avoid repeatedly asking for reviews or following up multiple times. If a guest hasn’t left a review within a week, you can send a polite reminder, but don’t bombard them.
Step 6: Respond to Reviews
When your guest leaves a review, make sure to respond. Thank them for the feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. A thoughtful reply can show your dedication to improvement and customer satisfaction.
11 Sample Messages to Ask for a Review on Airbnb
To make your request more impactful, here are 11 sample messages you can use or customize for your own needs:
| Scenario | Sample Message |
| After Check-Out | “Hi [Guest Name], I hope you had a great trip back home! Thank you so much for choosing to stay with us at [Your Airbnb]. If you have a moment, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review about your experience. Your feedback means a lot to me and helps future guests make informed decisions. Safe travels!” |
| When You’ve Had Positive Interaction | “Hello [Guest Name], it was such a pleasure hosting you! I’m so glad we could provide everything you needed during your stay. If you’re satisfied with your experience, a review would be very much appreciated. It only takes a few minutes, and your feedback helps others find the same great experience you had. Thanks again!” |
| After a Special Request | “Hi [Guest Name], thank you for choosing [Your Airbnb] for your stay. I hope you were comfortable and everything was to your liking. If you could spare a few moments, would you mind leaving a review? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any suggestions for making future stays even better.” |
| Post-Check-Out Follow-Up | “Hi [Guest Name], it was such a pleasure having you stay with us! I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you have a few minutes, I’d love it if you could leave a review about your stay. Your feedback helps me improve and also lets future guests know what they can expect. Thank you so much!” |
| Friendly Reminder (after 1 week) | “Hi [Guest Name], I just wanted to follow up and see how everything went during your stay. If you had a great time, I would be grateful if you could share a review. It’s really helpful for future guests to hear about their experiences. Thanks again for staying with us!” |
| Thanking for Positive Feedback | “Hi [Guest Name], thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay. If you haven’t already, it would mean a lot if you could leave a formal review. Your positive feedback helps more guests feel confident about booking with us. Thanks again!” |
| For Repeat Guests | “Hey [Guest Name], it was so great hosting you again! We always love having you. If you’re happy with your stay, a review would be wonderful. It’s always a pleasure to hear what our repeat guests think. Thanks for your continued support!” |
| Short and Sweet Request | “Hi [Guest Name], thank you for staying with us! If you have a moment, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review. It really helps me out and future guests too. Thanks a lot!” |
| If You’re a New Host | “Hello [Guest Name], I hope your stay was fantastic! As a new host, reviews are incredibly important to me. If you could leave a quick review, I’d be grateful. Your feedback helps me continue to improve. Thank you for your time!” |
| If You’ve Gone Above and Beyond | “Hi [Guest Name], it was wonderful hosting you! I’m so glad I could assist you with [special request]. If you had a great experience, would you consider leaving a review? It helps me grow and offers future guests insight into what they can expect. Thank you so much!” |
| If You’ve Had a Slightly Negative Experience (but want a Review) | “Hi [Guest Name], thank you for staying with us! I truly hope you enjoyed your time here. I understand there were a couple of things you were hoping for. I’ll definitely take your feedback on board for future improvements. If you’d be open to sharing your experience, I’d really appreciate your review. Your honesty is so valuable to me.” |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking for Reviews
While it’s important to ask for reviews, there are common mistakes that many hosts make that can turn guests off. Here are a few to avoid:
- Asking Too Soon: Don’t ask for a review immediately after check-in or at the beginning of the guest’s stay. Let them settle in and experience the space first.
- Being Too Pushy: Multiple follow-up messages or guilt-tripping your guests into leaving a review can come off as pushy and annoying.
- Not Personalizing Your Request: Sending a generic message is unlikely to get the response you want. Personalize your review requests to each guest.
- Offering Incentives for Positive Reviews: Offering discounts or free perks in exchange for positive reviews can violate Airbnb’s policies and can come across as manipulative.
- Forgetting to Respond to Reviews: Always acknowledge the reviews you get. Thank your guests for their feedback, and take the opportunity to address any issues they may have raised.
Conclusion:
Asking for reviews on Airbnb is a delicate balance between being polite, personal, and respectful.
If you follow the steps outlined above and use the sample messages provided, you’ll be able to ask for reviews in a way that feels natural and authentic, helping you build trust with future guests.
Remember, reviews are not just a reflection of your listing they’re an opportunity for you to grow as a host, learn from your guests, and continually improve your service.
So, take the time to ask for reviews, but do it with care. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful request, and your future bookings will benefit from the positive feedback.
Key Takeaways:
- Timing, personalization, and politeness are key when asking for reviews.
- Always make the process easy for guests, and don’t be pushy.
- Respond to all reviews to show you care about guest feedback.
If you found these tips helpful, don’t hesitate to share this post with fellow hosts, and start implementing these strategies today to build your credibility on Airbnb!
